Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Pandya, Pant Spotlight India’s West Indies Squad Selection
India is choosing teams for upcoming matches against the West Indies.
The teams will play three one-day matches and five T20 matches.
Hardik Pandya may return after recovering, but selectors must decide whether he is ready for a full match.
Rishabh Pant may also return to the one-day team.
KL Rahul is expected to remain the main wicketkeeper.
Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rajat Patidar could receive opportunities because another player will be at the Asian Games.
The selectors are also considering options for spin and fast bowling.
Ajit Agarkar’s contract ends on October 4, and the report says there has been no recent communication about an extension.
India will play three ODIs and five T20Is against the West Indies.
Selectors must decide whether Hardik Pandya is ready to bowl 10 overs and field for 50 overs.
Rishabh Pant could return to India’s 50-over squad while KL Rahul remains the likely first-choice wicketkeeper.
Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rajat Patidar are in contention because Shreyas Iyer will be with the Asian Games squad.
Ajit Agarkar’s selection committee contract ends October 4, with no extension communication reported so far.
- Who
- India’s selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is choosing squads involving players including Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul and Ruturaj Gaikwad.
- What
- The selectors are finalizing India’s ODI and T20I squads for the West Indies series, with questions over player returns and squad balance.
- When
- The selection meeting is scheduled for Wednesday; the ODIs begin September 27, and Agarkar’s contract runs until October 4.
- Where
- The selection meeting is in New Delhi; the ODI series starts in Thiruvananthapuram.
- Why
- The selectors must fill the squads while accounting for Asian Games commitments, injuries and player availability.
Arguments for selection
Arguments for caution
Hardik Pandya’s return
Arguments for selection
Pandya could provide a needed seam-bowling all-rounder and is scheduled to return to competitive cricket on September 20.
Arguments for caution
Selectors must determine whether he can immediately bowl 10 overs and field for 50 overs in an international match.
Rishabh Pant’s ODI comeback
Arguments for selection
Pant could receive a white-ball opportunity because Ishan Kishan will be with the Asian Games squad.
Arguments for caution
KL Rahul is expected to remain the first-choice ODI wicketkeeper, while Dhruv Jurel is another option if Pant is not selected.
Spin options
Arguments for selection
Ravindra Jadeja could be recalled after Harsh Dubey’s injury and the unavailability of other options.
Arguments for caution
Selectors may need alternatives such as Manav Suthar, Vipraj Nigam or Zeeshan Ansari because of injuries and Asian Games commitments.
- Opposition
- West Indies
- Series format
- Three ODIs and five T20Is
- ODI start
- September 27
- T20I start
- October 6
- Selection chairman
- Ajit Agarkar
- Contract status
- Agarkar’s contract runs until October 4; no extension communication was reported
- Likely ODI wicketkeeper
- KL Rahul is expected to be the first choice, with Rishabh Pant under consideration